Teen sprinter Gout Gout, who broke Usain Bolt’s record, upstaged by Lachlan Kennedy; his reaction wins hearts

Gout Gout became world-famous at just 16 when he broke legendary Usain Bolt's record for the same age in December 2024. He also set a new Australian national record, clocking 20.04 seconds in the 200m race during the Australian Schools Championships in Brisbane.

Bolt’s best 200m time at 16 years old was 20.13 seconds, recorded at an event in Barbados in 2003.

Gout’s record-breaking feat made him an overnight star, earning him a sponsorship deal with Adidas . However, a new sprinting sensation has emerged—Lachlan Kennedy of Queensland, who upstaged Gout in a 200m race over the weekend.

Lachlan Kennedy stuns Gout Gout in 200m dash

During the Peter Norman Memorial 200m final on Saturday, Kennedy left Gout Gout behind to clinch the gold medal after registering a personal best time of 20.26 seconds.

Kennedy was delighted with his efforts but he also didn’t forget to apologise to Gout Gout, who was seen as the favourite.

“I just wanted to give them [the crowd] a good race. It wouldn’t be fun if he (Gout) just destroyed everyone. I’m sorry if it did spoil it, but what a great race, you can’t be upset with that,” Kennedy said.

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Upset in Melbourne 👀

🇦🇺's Lachlan Kennedy storms to a 20.26 PB in the 200m at the Maurie Plant Meet 💪

He edges out world leader Gout Gout, who ran 20.30 for the 🥈 in his first senior competition 👀#ContinentalTourGold pic.twitter.com/XoWdtEwwKS

— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) March 29, 2025

Teenager Gout Gout also handled the matter quite responsibly as he stated that not winning the race would only make him more hungry.

“People will say winning feels great, second feels bad and third feels even worse. So coming second is something you can experience. And it definitely puts fuel to my fire and it lights that burn.”

Gout Gout also recently spoke about comparisons with Bolt, stating that it’s not the right time to talk about it.

“I don’t like speaking about it. To be honest, I just keep it simple. I’m still a kid, still in high school, so you can’t expect too much from me,” he said in an interview with 7:30.